1 FEBRUARY 1902, Page 3

Thursday was a. day of large proposals, for no sooner

had Mr. Long finished with water than Mr. Ritchie dealt with beer and spirits. He introduced the new Licensing Bill, among the main features of which is a strengthening of the law in the case of habitual drunkards and persons drank in public places. Publicans are to be punished who supply habitual drunkards with liquor after notification in regard to them, and checks more stringent than the endorsement of the license are provided for publicans who do not strictly observe the law. All clubs must be registered in future under a penalty of £50.